Starch Gel Electrophoresis: An Effective Method for Separation of Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Naegleria Strains*

Abstract

Isoenzyme electrophoresis of 7 different enzyme systems was used to compare 24 strains of N. fowleri [the causative agent of human primary amoebic meningoencephalitis] and 6 strains of N. gruberi. The 30 strains could be grouped into 4 distinct categories based upon zymogram patterns. No interstrain band variation in all enzyme systems was demonstrated in pathogenic strains of N. fowleri. Three nonpathogenic high temperature-tolerant strains of Naegleria had similar zymograms. Four of the 5 remaining nonpathogenic Naegleria strains had no interstrain band variation. Based upon zymograms, the 22 pathogenic strains constitute a homogenous species. Similarly the high temperature-tolerant nonpathogenic strains formed a cohesive group. The remaining nonpathogenic strains could be separated into 2 groups.